2024 Interview with Riley McGrath 2024 Dixie Heights

Riley McGrath

Dixie Heights High School

2024

Safety, corner, receiver

What were some of your biggest goals, and how did you accomplish them?
Heading into the 2023 season, my biggest goal was to overcome the collarbone injury I had my junior year and help my team win any way I could. I would say I achieved those goals by earning a starting job on week 1 and helping out on both sides of the ball when my number was called.

How has your class left a mark on Dixie Heights?

I think it’s safe to say that the Dixie Heights 2024 class will not be forgotten. With it being our head coach's second year with a brand new staff, we made an impact. Even though we didn’t finish out the season how we wanted, we set a new standard of being one of the hardest-working teams in the state.

Which side of the ball do you feel you are better at, along with the reason you believe so?

I believe naturally I am a receiver; I understand spacing and how to read the defender pretty well, as well as just having natural receiver attributes. I played most of the season at defensive back and safety, though, because that’s where I was needed the most. I feel I am a very balanced player, but I definitely enjoy the offensive side of the ball!

If you are invited to play in an all-star game, will you?

100% of the time, any opportunity to play more football is one I’d take!

What regrets do you have about your high school football career?

Not capitalizing on big moments in our senior year. We played some of the best teams in Kentucky and played them very well, but ended up losing close games because we couldn’t capitalize when it was needed most.

In your eyes, what was your biggest accomplishment on the football field?

Bouncing back from a pretty bad collarbone surgery, I only got to play two games my junior year, and it was a really long recovery, but I came back stronger than ever and was fortunate enough to have a good season.

Who was the best player you ever went up against in a game, along with the team he played for?

I would have to say my guy and former teammate Willie Rodriguez out of Cov Cath is definitely one of the most physical players I’ve played with and against.

Can you tell us about some of the schools that are recruiting you?

Bellarmine, Ohio Wesleyan, and Anderson, just to name a few!

What has been the best part of the recruiting process?

Honestly, I’ve loved the whole experience, the ability to learn things from a variety of different coaches and different programs, and being blessed with plenty of opportunities to see what was the best fit for me!

What has been the worst part of the recruiting process?

Like I said, I’ve loved all of it, but honestly, my least favorite part was that I didn’t learn more about the process before I started getting recruited because I feel like I kind of went in blind, and if I knew what to look for already, it would’ve made the process a lot smoother.

What must you improve on the most before you step onto a college field?

Honestly, I’ve never been more ready to get back to playing ball! I’ve just got to stay explosive and maintain the weight I’ve been building up!

What is a talent that you have that would shock others?

Honestly, I like to view myself as a do-it-all type of guy, meaning I can play anywhere I’m needed. My willingness to compete and get on that field will definitely shock some people this fall!

What is one sport you wish you could play but do not have the talent to do so?

I used to play baseball up until high school, but I couldn’t touch the pitches these guys are throwing now.

What is your favorite genre of music, along with your favorite song?

I like it all, but I listen to rap a lot, like Pregame, and in the weight room, my favorite song switches up a bunch, but right now it’s never recovered by Little Baby, Gunna, and Drake.

Link to article with pics
https://hearltlandfan15.blogspot.com/2024/02/2024-interview-with-riley-mcgrath-2024.html